Self-Destructing SMS Erases Text Trail

LONDON — Every voicemail, every text message, every chat; all are stored on a server somewhere deep inside the phone company’s gargantuan memory banks, sometimes for as long as two years after a user has supposedly deleted them.

And while it’s doubtful your wife will hack a telecom’s database anytime soon to find your erotic chat with Hot Wet Girls in Chocolate Sauce, the paranoia over mobile “paper trails” was enough for Staellium U.K. to launch StealthText, a new service that offers self-destructing text messaging.

The service is an extension of the company’s StealthMobile application, which enables the destruction of email, voice and pictures messages as well.

“Each time we press ‘send’ for our texts, emails and voicemails, we relinquish control over all manner of content to those with whom we share it,” a Staellium spokesperson said during the service’s launch. “Should we not ask ourselves if the information we are sending might be misused?”

The technology is simple: StealthText acts as a middleman between two cellphones. Users send messages directly to Staellium, after which the recipient receives a notification of a message waiting for them on the Staellium server. Once that message has been read, the company promises the text will be permanently erased within 40 seconds.

Granted, the phone company still has a copy of the text, but it would need a court order to dig that up, so unless the user is plotting something illegal, StealthText ensures that succumbing to those 2 a.m. late night TV offers doesn’t get anybody in trouble.

Sports fans may remember when Rebecca Loos, alleged mistress of soccer star David Beckham, created a media frenzy when she released copies of text messages Beckham supposedly sent her while he was engaged to wife and ex-Spice Girl Victoria.

The incident is one Staellium itself promises won’t happen to people who use the StealthText service.

Although the service is only currently available in the U.K., the company is in talks with several companies, including two unnamed providers in the U.S. The application can send self-destructing messages through both SMS and WAP using a small applet each user has to download before using the service.

Once installed, users key in a short code before sending their messages, no doubt harkening some back to the famous self-destructing tape scenes in the Mission Impossible series.

“‘This tape will self destruct in five seconds’ became a household phrase in the 60s and 70s thanks to the creators of Mission Impossible,” reads Staellium’s homepage. “Now, 30 years later, the ability to send your own self-destruct messages has become a reality.”

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Show More